Oral Bacterium Implicated in Colon Cancer

A study which was conducted by the scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute together with the people at Broad Institute in America has uncovered in new link between your mouth and your systemic health. In that study, it seems like there is a relationship between a strain of bacteria inside your mouth and bowel cancer. The results of this study join other studies which have implicated oral health to a person’s overall health.

Fusobacterium in your mouth

The study centers in on the Fusobacterium species which are found on abnormally large numbers in nine colorectal tumor samples. This bacterial species is the culprit behind the development of gum diseases. This has made researchers think that there could be a relationship between gum diseases and the development of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer in America

Bowel cancer, also known as colon cancer, is one of the leading causes of death in the states. According to the CDC, 142,672 Americans were diagnosed with the malignancy back in 2007. Fortunately, with early detection, colon cancer is potentially curable. Screening is your first line of defense against the cancer and determining a link between gum disease and colorectal cancer could be a huge leap towards the development of more effective and sensitive screening methods.

Gum Disease and Colon Cancer

Currently, the link between the two has not yet been fully established and studies are currently ongoing to probe if there really is a direct relationship between your risks for colon cancer depending on the state of your gums. Despite that, this information should prompt individuals to get a colon cancer screening if they have been suffering from gum disease for a long period now.

Gum Care

Not taking into consideration colon cancer, gum diseases are rather serious on their own. Gingival diseases are the leading causes of tooth loss in the country. Luckily, it’s easy for you to ensure the health of your gums simply by following your dentist’s instructions of brushing after each meal, flossing once a day and rinsing with mouthwash.

Gingivitis vs Periodontitis

There are two major types of gum disease – gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mild inflammation of the gums and is usually the first gum disease which a person will experience before escalating into periodontitis, which involves destruction of deeper tissues including jawbones. It is the latter which will eventually cause tooth loss in a patient suffering from the condition for a considerable period of time.

Dr. Ballard,
I want to thank you so much for your generous gift to me of time, service and care. Your willingness to help me was such a mighty example of the Lord’s provision. May He richly bless you and your family!! And… I wanted to thank you and your entire staff for the best experience I’ve ever had at a Dr. visit of any kind. You all manage to be highly professional and highly personable. Throughout my entire time in the office, I always felt valued and cared for as an individual. Keep up the awesome work!! Thank you so much!